Countdown to Kickoff ’09: 20 days to UA vs. Central Michigan
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This is a continuation of WILDABOUTAZCATS.com’s countdown to Arizona’s football season-opener vs. Central Michigan at Arizona Stadium on Sept. 5. If you have suggestions in the days leading to kickoff who is the best player with that uniform number let us know through our “Contact” page. Also feel free to comment if you differ with our choice.
MAKE SURE TO CHECK OUT:
>>Defense controls first scrimmage (includes video of post-scrimmage interview with Coach Stoops) (www.ArizonaWildcats.com)
>>Injured TE sent home for tests (wildcatsportsreport.com)
Running back, Michael Bates (1989-90). Amphi product left early and became All-Pro kick returner in NFL. One of the famed Bates brothers in Tucson. Mario Bates went on to star at Arizona State. Marion Bates played at USC and then transferred to Arizona. In track, Michael was voted the Pac-10′s Outstanding Male Performer at the conference track championships in 1989 and 1990, winning the 100 and 200-meter dashes. He was also a member of the Wildcats 400-meter relay team that finished second in the 1989 NCAA Championships. His college-best time was 10.17 in the 100 meters. Bates’ personal best time in the 200-meter dash was 20.01 seconds, at the June 1992 Olympic trials. In the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, his time of 20.38 from the inside lane, put him 0.37 seconds behind gold medal winner Michael Marsh and 0.25 seconds behind silver medalist Frankie Fredericks to win the bronze medal.
ARIZONA’S CURRENT NO. 20: Cam Nelson, Safety, Sr., 6-1, 202, Dallas (TX) Kimball HS. The elder statesman in the secondary with 37 games under his belt, Nelson should be an anchor for the UA defense as a fourth-year senior. Leading returning tackler with 67, forced a fumble and broke up five passes out of the strong safety spot. Earned coaches’ honor as defensive player of the game against Stanford and Southern California, with career-high 12 tackles in each contest. Started all 13 games and gives UA a 25-game starter in the backfield. Information provided by the UA Sports Information Department.
CENTRAL MICHIGAN REPORTS
>>Saturday’s observations (Sun Sports Blog)
>>Chippewas hit the pads (Mount Pleasant, Mich., Morning Sun)
>>Jones’ eye for detail key to Chippewas’ success (Mount Pleasant, Mich., Morning Sun)
>>Olson and Weaver the focus as CMU begins practice (Mount Pleasant, Mich., Morning Sun)
>>Chippewas report for training camp to start 2009 season (Mount Pleasant, Mich., Morning Sun)
NOTE: WILDABOUTAZCATS.COM will run a similar countdown toward Sean Miller’s inaugural season opener, starting when the season tip-off is 55 days away. The season-opener is Sun., Nov. 15, against Northern Arizona at McKale Center, which is 91 days away.
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Tags: Cam Nelson, Michael Bates, UA football countdown
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August 16th, 2009 at 9:24 AM
I just read Ryan Finley’s article about last night’s scrimmage in Sierra Vista. Ouch. Did anyone here see this first hand?
http://www.azstarnet.com/sports/305169
August 16th, 2009 at 10:29 AM
Do Scott and Foles have what it takes to play quarterback in the Pac-10 Conference?
Against PAC-10 Conference, yes. Against their own D day in and day out, probably not.
Does third-stringer Bryson Beirne, who completed 5 of 7 passes for 38 yards and a touchdown, deserve more reps?
Absolutely. And if I know Dykes and Stoopes, there’ll be a new QB taking reps with the 1st string come Monday. Competition is good for the soul – and team – and the top competitor should always – always – get the nod.
And regardless of who’s under center, can the team move the ball with Rob Gronkowski injured?
We may have to spend the rest of Camp figuring this million dollar – as in BCS Bowl and the life of the program (i.e., UA Athletic Program) – question out.
Can you say Franchise Player?